Multiple compartment folding package

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a multiple compartment folding package that comprises two folding lines, so that the multiple compartment folding package comprises a base area located between the two folding lines and a first and a second partial areas, each partial area comprising one or more compartments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims priority to German Application Number 202011103391.4 filed Jul. 18, 2011 to Hans Mondry entitled “Multiple Compartment Folding Package,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multiple compartment folding package.

BACKGROUND

Multiple compartment folding packages are well-known. These packages have several compartments—that is why they are called multiple compartment packages. One individual product, for example one portion of food, can be packed in each compartment of the multiple compartment package. It is also known from practice to fold such multiple compartment packages, thereby forming a multiple compartment folding (or folded) package. By folding it, the external dimensions of the package can be reduced, for example to better accommodate the package in an external packaging, such as a cardboard box. The handling of such multiple compartment folding packages showed to be disadvantageous under certain circumstances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to improve handling by means that are constructively as simple as possible.

The multiple compartment folding package according to the invention comprises first and second partial areas which each comprise one or several compartments. A base area is located between these two partial areas. Between the base area and each of the two lateral partial areas, there is one folding line each about which the multiple compartment folding package is folded. The advantage of the multiple compartment folding package according to the invention consists in that the base area formed between the two folding lines defines a two-dimensional base for the multiple compartment folding package, so that the multiple compartment folding package can be put up in a stable manner and be presented to a customer in this put-up state without there being any risk of the multiple compartment folding package tipping over or buckling at a horizontal perforation line.

The stability of the multiple compartment folding package becomes particularly high and its manufacture particularly easy if the folding lines extend in parallel with respect to each other. However, it would also be conceivable to have the two folding lines extend at an angle with respect to each other to achieve geometrically exceptional package shapes which therefore draw the customers' attention even more. It would moreover also be possible to provide more than only two folding lines.

The stability of the multiple compartment folding package can be further improved if each partial area includes the same number of compartments. These compartments can extend in one or more rows on either side of the base.

Preferably, each partial area of the multiple compartment folding package can be swiveled by 90° each with respect to the base area. This results in the two partial areas being at least approximately aligned vertically when the flat base area is placed on an even horizontal ground.

To further increase the stability of the multiple compartment folding package when it is put up, it is advantageous for the base area to be located centrically on the multiple compartment folding package.

In a put-up state of the multiple compartment folding package, where the folding package is put up, for example, with its base area on an even ground, the first partial area should be suitably located in parallel to the second partial area. This prevents a moment that could cause the folding package to tip over.

However, the multiple compartment folding package according to the invention will become particularly stable if, in a put-up state, a center of gravity of the folding package is located vertically above the base area as soon as this base area is arranged on a horizontal ground. In particular, a center of gravity of the multiple compartment folding package filled with a product could even be located vertically above this base area. If there are no further external influences, the multiple compartment folding package is thus prevented from tipping over.

Preferably, either no upper film is provided in the base area of the folding package, or the upper film is lying flat on the subfilm (viz. lower film) in the base area. Either case facilitates the formation of folding or crease lines as the multiple compartment folding package becomes particularly flat in the base area or at the two outer edges of the base area, respectively.

The handling of the multiple compartment folding package can be further improved if at least one of the two folding lines includes a perforation. This perforation permits the separation of the two partial areas of the multiple compartment folding package from each other to be able to separately withdraw or store the products accommodated therein.

In a further variant, it would be even conceivable to provide a perforation between all adjacent compartments of the multiple compartment folding package. In this manner, all compartments could be separated from each other.

Depending on the type of employed packaging films, it may be advantageous to provide webs having a width of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, in particular having a width of about 0.7 mm, between two adjacent holes of the perforation. Webs having such dimensions prevent an unintentional separation of adjacent compartments, while they still permit a purposeful separation of adjacent compartments without too many efforts.

The functionality of the multiple compartment folding package according to the invention can be further improved by providing a closure for maintaining the multiple compartment folding package in a releasably closed state or in a put-up state. This closure prevents the multiple compartment folding package from unintentionally being transferred from the put-up state to an opened state. Such a closure is particularly advantageous if it is resealable.

The closure could in particular comprise at least one mechanical closure element. For example, a snap-on closure or a hook and loop fastener would be conceivable. For the manufacture, however, it may be more advantageous for the closure element to comprise a burl or projection on one of the two partial areas and a recess allocated to the burl on the other one of the two partial areas. In this manner, a snap fastener is formed which can be easily manufactured in the deep-drawing process of the packaging film. Of course, several burls and a corresponding number of recesses could also be provided.

In a preferred variant, at least one label could be provided as the closure element of the multiple compartment folding package, which label can be either torn at the edge or peeled off when the package is being opened.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine for manufacturing such a multiple compartment folding package. This packaging machine comprises means for producing two folding lines in the multiple compartment folding package, in particular two parallel folding lines, so that the base area can be formed between these folding lines.

If a perforation is to be provided in the folding lines, preferably two punching tools or rotary cutters disposed in parallel are provided for incorporating this perforation.

The manufacture and handling of the multiple compartment folding package can be furthermore facilitated if the packaging machine comprises a folding over tool for automatically folding over the first and second partial areas of the multiple compartment folding package about the folding lines.

Other and further objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course of the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multiple compartment folding package in an opened position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the multiple compartment folding package in an opened state in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the multiple compartment folding package in a closed or put-up state with an enlarged representation of the closure region in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the multiple compartment folding package in a situation where it is put up on a ground in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multiple compartment folding package in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative multiple compartment folding package in an opened position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the alternative multiple compartment folding package in an opened state in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the alternative multiple compartment folding package in a closed state in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternative multiple compartment folding package in a situation where it is put up on a ground in a closed state.

Equal components are always provided with equal reference numerals in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

FIG. 1 shows a multiple compartment folding package 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The multiple compartment folding package, or below briefly referred to as package 1, can have a group of four compartments 2 which can each accommodate one portion of a product, for example food. In the represented embodiment, the compartments 2 are arranged in two rows R with two compartments 2 each, one behind the other. The compartments themselves are formed by deep-drawing them in a comparably stable lower film or subfilm 3. A transparent (and therefore not visible in FIG. 1) upper film 4 is sealed upon the subfilm 3 such that it hermetically seals each compartment 2 in the common plane of the edges 5 of all compartments 2. The subfilm 3 as well as the upper film 4 may extend continuously, or in one piece, across the complete multiple compartment folding package 1.

The one row R of compartments 2 forms a first partial area 6 of the multiple compartment folding package, while the second row R of compartments 2 forms a second partial area 7 of the multiple compartment folding package 1. Each of the two partial areas 6, 7 comprises two compartments 2 in the represented embodiment. There is a base area 8 centrically on the multiple compartment folding package 1 between the two partial areas 6, 7. In the represented embodiment, it is rectangular and located between two parallel folding lines 9, 10 which are located between the base area 8 and the respective first or second partial area 6, 7. Along the folding line 9, 10, the multiple compartment folding package 1 can be creased. This can be facilitated by the folding lines 9, 10 comprising weakened material and/or a perforation.

Such perforation, which can comprise, for example, holes spaced apart by webs, can be used to more easily separate the compartments 2 of the first partial area 6 from those of the second partial area 7. Moreover, a transverse perforation 11 can also be provided between adjacent compartments 2 of an individual partial area 6 or 7 to be able to separate the compartments 2 of the partial area 6, 7 from each other.

In the four outer corners of the multiple compartment folding package 1, closure elements may be provided to form a releasable and resealable closure 12 (see FIG. 3) for the package 1. Two of these closure elements can be closure burls (or projections) 13 which project downwards from the bottom of the multiple compartment folding package 1. The two other closure elements can be recesses 14 which are each embodied to closely receive a closure burl 13. In one embodiment, the two closure burls 13 are located at the outer corners of the one partial area 6, the recesses 14 are located at the outer corners of the other partial area 7 of the package 1.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the multiple compartment folding package 1. As in FIG. 1, the package 1 is here in an opened position in which the compartments 2 of the two partial areas 6, 7 are lying in a common plane. Here, one can in particular see the upper film 4 spanned in a continuous plane. One can also see that the subfilm 3 is not deep-drawn in the base area 8, i.e., between the two folding lines 9, 10. In this base area 8, the upper film 4 is therefore lying flat on the subfilm 3 so that the package 1 is comparably flat in this region. This, together with the weakened material or perforation of the package 1 in the region of the folding lines 9, 10, permits to fold the package 1 in the direction shown by the arrow P. Here, the first partial area 6 represented in the left of FIG. 2 is swiveled counter-clockwise downwards by 90° about the folding line 10. The second partial area 7 shown in the right, however, is swiveled clockwise downwards about the folding line 9.

The result of this procedure can be seen in FIG. 3 where the multiple compartment folding package 1 is in a closed or put-up state, respectively. In this state, the compartments 2 of the first and second partial areas 6, 7 are adjacent with their bottoms 15. The width of the base area 8 approximately corresponds to twice the depth of one individual compartment 2, but it can also be larger. The enlargement shows how a closure 12 is formed on the side of the multiple compartment folding package 1 opposite the base area 8 to releasably hold the package 1 in the closed position. This closure 12 is achieved by the projection 13 projecting downwards beyond the bottom 15 (see FIG. 2) being engaged with a recess 14 by folding the package 1. This recess 14 is designed such that the projection or closure burl 13 is held in the recess 14 in a form fit by friction.

FIG. 4 shows the multiple compartment folding package 1 in a put-up state. It is located here in the closed state on a flat horizontal ground 16 such that the base area 8 of the package 1 is lying flat on the ground 16. The multiple compartment folding package 1 is designed such that its center of gravity 17 is located vertically above the base area 8, preferably approximately centrically above the base area 8. By this, a particularly stable position of the multiple compartment folding package 1 is achieved which protects it from tipping over. In this put-up position, the multiple compartment folding package 1 can be accordingly stored stably and for example presented to consumers.

FIG. 5 finally shows the multiple compartment folding package 1 in a perspective view in its closed state. From above, the two compartments 2 of one of the partial areas 6, 7 can be seen. The compartments of the two partial areas are lying flat against each other, in particular at the bottoms 15 of the compartments 2. The base area 8 defined by the two folding lines 9, 10 angled by 90° is approximately perpendicular to the plane formed by the upper film 4.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a multiple compartment folding package 1 according to the invention. The multiple compartment folding package, or below briefly package 1, has a group of four compartments 2, 2 a which can each accommodate one portion of a product, for example food. In the represented embodiment, the compartments 2, 2 a are embodied in two rows R with two compartments 2, 2 a each one behind the other. The compartments themselves are formed by deep-drawing them in a comparably stable subfilm 3. A transparent, and therefore in FIG. 6 not visible, upper film 4 is sealed upon the subfilm 3 such that it hermetically seals each compartment 2, 2 a in the common plane of the edges 5 of all compartments 2, 2 a. The subfilm 3 as well as the upper film 4 may extend continuously, or in one piece, across the complete multiple compartment folding package 1 shown in FIG. 6.

The one row R of compartments 2 forms a first partial area 6 of the multiple compartment folding package, while the second row R of compartments 2 a forms a second partial area 7 of the multiple compartment folding package 1. Each of the two partial areas 6, 7 comprises two compartments 2, 2 a in the represented embodiment. A base area 8 is centrically located on the multiple compartment folding package 1 between the two partial areas 6, 7. In the represented embodiment, it is rectangular and located between two parallel folding lines 9, 10 which are located between the base area 8 and the respective first or second partial area 6, 7. The multiple compartment folding package 1 can be creased along the folding line 9, 10. This can be facilitated by the folding lines 9, 10 comprising weakened material and/or a perforation.

Such perforation, which can comprise, for example, holes spaced apart by webs, can be used to more easily separate the compartments 2 of the first partial area 6 from those of the second partial area 7. Moreover, a transverse perforation 11 can also be provided between adjacent compartments 2 or 2 a, respectively, of an individual partial area 6 or 7 to be able to separate the compartments 2 and 2 a, respectively, of the partial areas 6, 7, from each other.

The compartments 2 comprise a package bottom 20 formed downwards, and the compartments 2 a comprise a complementary package bottom 20 a formed upwards, that means in the direction of the upper film 4.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the multiple compartment folding package 1. As in FIG. 6, the package 1 is here in an opened position in which the compartments 2, 2 a of the two partial areas 6, 7 are lying in a common plane. One can here in particular see the upper film 4 spanned in a continuous plane. One can also see that the subfilm (or lower film) 3 is not deep-drawn in the base area 8, i.e., between the two folding lines 9, 10. In this base area 8, the upper film 4 is therefore lying flat on the subfilm 3, so that the package 1 is comparably flat in this region. This, together with the weakened material or perforation of the package 1 in the region of the folding lines 9, 10, permits to fold the package 1 in the direction shown by the arrow P. Here, the first partial area 6 represented in the left of FIG. 7 is swiveled counter-clockwise downwards by 90° about the folding line 10. The second partial area 7 shown in the right, however, is swiveled clockwise downwards about the folding line 9.

The result of this procedure can be seen in FIG. 8 where the multiple compartment folding package 1 is in a closed or put-up state, respectively. In this state, the compartments 2 of the first partial area 6 and the compartments 2 a of the second partial area 7 are adjacent with their bottoms 20 and 20 a, i.e., the two partial areas 6 and 7 are engaged. The width of the base area 8 approximately corresponds to twice the depth of one individual compartment 2, 2 a, but it can also be larger.

FIG. 9 shows the multiple compartment folding package 1 in a put-up state. It is held together by a label 19 at the side opposite the base area 8. The label 19 can have the property of being resealable even after it has been peeled off due to a corresponding adhesive property. Here, the package 1 is located in the closed state on a flat horizontal ground 16 such that the base area 8 of the package 1 is lying flat on the ground 16. The multiple compartment folding package 1 is designed such that its center of gravity 17 is located vertically above the base area 8, preferably approximately centrically above the base area 8. Here, a particularly stable position of the multiple compartment folding package 1 is achieved which protects it against tipping over. In this put-up position, the multiple compartment folding package 1 can be accordingly stored stably and for example presented to consumers. The engaged package bottoms 20 and 20 a are congruent with respect to each other such that they show high stability in the joined state of the package 1.

Starting from the represented embodiment, the package 1 according to the invention can be modified in many ways. It would be of course conceivable, for example, to provide in each of the two partial area 6, 7, several rows R of compartments 2 lying next to each other as well as only one compartment or even more compartments 2 one behind the other. Moreover, the number and arrangement of the compartments 2 in the two partial areas 6, 7 do not necessarily have to be symmetrical.

A variant where the two partial areas are not folded to be adjacent with the bottoms 15 of the compartments 2, but rather with the upper films 4, would also be conceivable. This would be the case if in FIG. 2, the right partial area 7 was folded counter clockwise upwards and the left partial area 6 was also folded upwards, but clockwise. Instead of a closure 12 with mechanical closure elements, then, for example, a label could connect the two partial areas 6, 7 at the free end opposite the base area 8 to hold the package 1 in its closed state.

Equally, a package is conceivable which, instead of a flat upper film 4, comprises an upper film that is shaped similarly to or like the compartments 2, 2 a. Correspondingly, the deformation of the package bottoms 20, 20 a can also be included in the shaped upper film, for example to have two adjacent packages 1 lie adjacent to each other by the package bottoms of the one package cooperating with the shaped upper film of the other package.

The invention also relates to a packaging machine for manufacturing the represented multiple compartment folding package. This packaging machine can be designed, for example, in the form of a deep-drawing packaging machine which produces the multiple compartment folding package 1 each in one main cycle. Rotary cutters can serve to produce perforations in the longitudinal direction of the deep-drawn packaging film to produce the folding lines 9, 10. A punching tool arranged transversely to the direction of production can serve to produce the transverse perforations 11. After the perforations have been produced, the multiple compartment folding package 1 is individualized. A subsequent folding over tool can serve to fold the two partial areas 6, 7 of the package 1 about the folding lines 9, 10 and to seal the closure 12 and/or attach the label 19.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

The constructions and methods described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. A multiple compartment folding package with several compartments, said multiple compartment folding package comprising: a continuous lower film forming package trays in the compartments; an upper film sealing the package trays; first and second partial areas, each said partial area comprising one or more compartments; a base area located between the first and second partial areas; and at least two folding lines, wherein one said folding line is located between the base area and the first partial area and the other said folding line is located between the base area and the second partial area.
 2. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 1, wherein the folding lines extend parallel to one another.
 3. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 1, wherein each said partial area has the same number of compartments.
 4. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 1, wherein each said partial area can be swiveled with respect to the base area by about 90°.
 5. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 1, wherein the base area is located centrically on the multiple compartment folding package.
 6. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 1, wherein in a put-up state of the multiple compartment folding package, the first partial area is arranged in parallel to the second partial area.
 7. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two folding lines includes a perforation.
 8. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 7, wherein one perforation is provided between all adjacent compartments.
 9. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 7, wherein webs having a width of about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm are provided between two adjacent holes of the perforation.
 10. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 1 further comprising a closure for releasably holding the multiple compartment folding package in a closed state.
 11. The multiple compartment folding package of claim 10, wherein at least one label is provided as a closure element. 